Alchester's relegation fears in Southern Counties North increased after they were edged out 22-20 at Drifters on Saturday.

Although the Fritwell-based club competed well, they are now five points adrift of safety, having won just three of their 13 matches.

Full back Alex Rankin ran in Drifters’ opening try, but his knock-on led to wing Robin Tyreman scoring for Alchester, with fly half Tom Miles converting.

Two Matt Brown penalties made it 11-7 before Alchester scored a pushover try, with No 8 Joe McEneaney going over and Miles converting.

Brown’s third penalty made it 14-14 at the break.

The same player added a drop goal, with Miles replying via a penalty.

Alchester had prop Dave Pike sin-binned before fellow front-rower Carl Corcoran went over for Drifters.

Miles slotted a second penalty, but Drifters held on.

On Saturday, Alchester travel to Wiltshire side Trowbridge in the semi-final of the Southern Counties Intermediate Cup.

Bicester are without a game in Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division.